Alternate Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Papathanasis on Thursday welcomed the European Commission's positive preliminary assessment of Greece's request for 3.13 billion euros under NextGenerationEU.
This payment marks the fifth installment in Greece's recovery and resilience plan. The Commission's preliminary assessment confirms that Greece has met the required 32 milestones and targets for this payment, financed under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) of NextGenerationEU.
"Today's development is yet another practical demonstration of a successful course in the implementation the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience 'Greece 2.0' financed by the RFF. Having achieved all the targets and milestones that were set, with the disbursement of an additional 3.1 billion euros to the country, nearly 60% of the total budget allocated to our country is reaching Greek society and the economy. By reinforcing infrastructure, supporting entrepreneurship, improving the daily life of the citizens we are keeping Greece in the top places of the European rankings, turning our commitments into action and accelerating the reforms that the country needs," the minister said.
The Commission has sent its preliminary assessment to the Economic and Financial Committee, which has four weeks to provide its opinion. If positive, the Commission will adopt a payment decision for the 3.13 billion euro disbursement to Greece, raising the total of completed milestones under the 'Greece 2.0' plan to 35% of the total, and the disbursement of funds to almost 59% of the plan's total budget.
The request for payment was submitted in December 2024, following completion of 14 reforms, such as speeding up justice, improving VAT refunds, enhancing the effectiveness of public procurement, expanding broadband connection, improving waste and water management, and increasing mental healthcare facilities. It also includes 17 investments in affordable and energy efficient housing, electricity networks, urban regeneration, green industry sites, reforestation and firefighting, and wastewater projects.